Violinist presents debut recital

Xiang Gao, internationally acclaimed violinist from the People's Republic of China and newest member of the UD music faculty, will present his debut performance in a free recital at 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 21, in the Loudis Recital Hall of the Amy E. du Pont Music Building. He will be accompanied by pianist Julie Nishimura.

The program features Sonata in G major, KV 301 by W.A. Mozart, Sonata No.1 in A minor by Schumann, Sonata for violin and piano by Franck, Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Air) by Sarasate and traditional Chinese Fisherman's Songs by Li.

Gao, who teaches violin and viola, has won a number of competitions, including the prestigious Aspen Music Festival Violin Competition in 1995. The first violinist from the People's Republic of China to attain an international career, he has performed with the world's leading soloists and for such world leaders as former President George Bush and the former President of China Xian-nian Li.

His new CD Kind of Colorful, features violin/piano sonata and virtuoso pieces with pianists Howard Watkins and Musical America's "Accompanist of the Year" Martin Katz.

For additional information, call 831-2577.